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HHE Search Results
1057 HHE reports were found based on your search terms. Reports are listed in order of year published with the most recently published reports listed first.
Year Published and Title
(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of crystalline silica exposure during fabrication of natural and engineered stone countertops. (Click to open report) The Texas Department of State Health Services asked the Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program for help. They asked us to evaluate silica exposure in a manufacturing plant. The plant makes natural and engineered stone countertops. We measured employees' exposures to crystalline silica. We evaluated ventilation systems and personal protective equipment use. Employees used wet methods to help control dust. We found respirable crystalline silica in the air. Concentrations ranged from nondetectable ... (Click to show more)The Texas Department of State Health Services asked the Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program for help. They asked us to evaluate silica exposure in a manufacturing plant. The plant makes natural and engineered stone countertops. We measured employees' exposures to crystalline silica. We evaluated ventilation systems and personal protective equipment use. Employees used wet methods to help control dust. We found respirable crystalline silica in the air. Concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 140 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3). Respirable dust concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 380 ug/m3. The percentage of quartz in these samples ranged from less than 1% to 52%. We found overexposures to crystalline silica despite the use of wet methods. None of the work processes used local exhaust ventilation. We saw some employees incorrectly using respirators, safety glasses, and ear plugs. The company did not have an employee medical surveillance program for silica. HHE Program investigators recommended using a combination of local exhaust ventilation and wet methods to control dust.
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(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of indoor environmental quality and health concerns in a public university. (Click to open report) University managers requested help to address employee concerns about mold in a campus building. We evaluated the building ventilation systems. We checked for moisture, water damage, and mold. We measured carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity. We saw no widespread mold or water damage. Relative humidity levels in some areas were above 65%. These levels can help microorganisms and dust mites grow. The building had unit ventilators and window air-conditioners, not a central ventilatio... (Click to show more)University managers requested help to address employee concerns about mold in a campus building. We evaluated the building ventilation systems. We checked for moisture, water damage, and mold. We measured carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity. We saw no widespread mold or water damage. Relative humidity levels in some areas were above 65%. These levels can help microorganisms and dust mites grow. The building had unit ventilators and window air-conditioners, not a central ventilation system. None of the unit ventilators brought in outdoor air. We interviewed employees about their health. They reported some respiratory symptoms associated with damp buildings and inadequate ventilation. These symptoms are also common in the general population. Employees also reported hives, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and hair loss. These conditions were not related to working in the building. HHE Program investigators recommended improving building ventilation and stopping environmental sampling.
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(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of noise and metal exposure at a security portal manufacturer. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request for an evaluation from a security portal manufacturing company. The employer was concerned about employees' exposure to dust and noise when they sanded and sawed aluminum alloy. We collected samples for respirable aluminum, metals, and noise. We observed the airflow around the sanding downdraft table. Bulk dust samples contained aluminum, chromium, manganese, and nickel. Employees were not overexposed to these metals. We found noise overexp... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request for an evaluation from a security portal manufacturing company. The employer was concerned about employees' exposure to dust and noise when they sanded and sawed aluminum alloy. We collected samples for respirable aluminum, metals, and noise. We observed the airflow around the sanding downdraft table. Bulk dust samples contained aluminum, chromium, manganese, and nickel. Employees were not overexposed to these metals. We found noise overexposures on sanders and the mill/saw operator over an entire 8-hour work shift. Because they rarely saw and sand for a full work shift, their 8-hour TWA exposures would likely be lower than what we measured. Our noise measurements show the saw operator would exceed the NIOSH REL after 2.8 hours and the sanders after about 4.5 hours. The downdraft table was not effective in collecting dust, but improved once the filters were changed. We observed awkward work postures. Awkward postures are a risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. We recommended engineering controls to reduce noise exposures. We also recommended redesigning tasks to avoid the need for awkward positions.
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(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of respiratory and indoor environmental quality concerns at a snack foods facility - Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In December 2013, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential health hazard evaluation request from employees at a snack foods manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. The request listed concerns about respiratory illnesses, headaches, nosebleeds, and cancer related to indoor dampness and potential exposure to mold and mildew, seasonings, and asbestos. We evaluated employee health concerns and potential exposures to mold and mildew, seasonings, flavoring chem... (Click to show more)In December 2013, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential health hazard evaluation request from employees at a snack foods manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. The request listed concerns about respiratory illnesses, headaches, nosebleeds, and cancer related to indoor dampness and potential exposure to mold and mildew, seasonings, and asbestos. We evaluated employee health concerns and potential exposures to mold and mildew, seasonings, flavoring chemicals and asbestos among employees at a snack food manufacturing facility. We performed an indoor environmental quality assessment and assessed air levels of seasonings, flavoring chemicals, and dust. We noted water damage from roof and window leaks that promoted dampness and the potential for mold growth in the facility. Our air samples highlighted several areas of the facility with high risk of exposure to irritant seasonings, dust, and flavoring chemicals. We recommend roof and building structure repairs to mitigate further water damage. We also provide several means to reduce potential employee exposure to irritant seasonings, dust, and flavoring chemicals.
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(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of respiratory concerns at a coal and copper slag processing company. (Click to open report) In September 2012, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a management request for a health hazard evaluation at a coal slag processing facility in Illinois. Management submitted the health hazard evaluation request as part of a settlement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspected one of the company's coal processing facilities in 2010 and identified multiple health and safety violations and a s... (Click to show more)In September 2012, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a management request for a health hazard evaluation at a coal slag processing facility in Illinois. Management submitted the health hazard evaluation request as part of a settlement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspected one of the company's coal processing facilities in 2010 and identified multiple health and safety violations and a suspected cluster of pneumoconiosis in four former workers. As part of the settlement, the company requested a health hazard evaluation to determine if cases of pneumoconiosis were present in current workers and assess dust hazards. We evaluated airborne exposures during coal and copper slag processing. We took air samples for the analysis of dust, silica, and metals to investigate respiratory concerns. Overall, copper slag processing produced higher levels of dust, silica, and metals compared to coal slag processing, but both processes posed health risks. We recommend employee exposure monitoring and a formal respiratory protection program.
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(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of styrene and dust exposures and health effects during fiberglass-reinforced wind turbine blade manufacturing. (Click to open report) Managers at plant making wind turbine blades asked us to assess exposures to styrene and dust. We also evaluated employees' visual and respiratory health. Employees doing cut and trim tasks were exposed to styrene above exposure limits. Employees doing these tasks inside the blade also exceeded the OSHA limit for dust even though they used powered hand tools with local exhaust ventilation. Employees overexposed to airborne styrene or dust wore respiratory protection. Other plant employees did no... (Click to show more)Managers at plant making wind turbine blades asked us to assess exposures to styrene and dust. We also evaluated employees' visual and respiratory health. Employees doing cut and trim tasks were exposed to styrene above exposure limits. Employees doing these tasks inside the blade also exceeded the OSHA limit for dust even though they used powered hand tools with local exhaust ventilation. Employees overexposed to airborne styrene or dust wore respiratory protection. Other plant employees did not always wear respirators when needed. In some cases, respirators were not stored away from contamination. Urinary styrene metabolites were lower than exposure limits. Employees had more color blindness than expected. Contrast vision problems were related to current and long-term styrene exposure. Employees exposed to higher levels of styrene had more breathing problems than expected. We recommended changes to the blade manufacturing process to reduce styrene exposures. For annual employee medical exams, we recommended vision testing and spirometry.
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(2015) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of aerogel insulation particulate at a union training facility. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an insulators union concerned with exposure to particulate released when handling aerogel insulation. Union members reported nosebleeds, upper respiratory tract irritation, and skin dryness. Two union employees provide training for over 200 apprentices and 800 journeymen per year at a training facility. The number of trainees has recently increased. We took personal air samples for components of aerogel insulation (amorphous and crysta... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an insulators union concerned with exposure to particulate released when handling aerogel insulation. Union members reported nosebleeds, upper respiratory tract irritation, and skin dryness. Two union employees provide training for over 200 apprentices and 800 journeymen per year at a training facility. The number of trainees has recently increased. We took personal air samples for components of aerogel insulation (amorphous and crystalline silica, aluminum, iron, and titanium) while an instructor applied aerogel insulation. We looked at the shape, size, and size distribution of the airborne particulate released from handling aerogel insulation. Over two days, we observed the work practices of an instructor who handled aerogel insulation during training. We asked students, journeymen, and an instructor about exposure to aerogel insulation, use of personal protective equipment, medical history, symptoms, and personal hygiene practices while training at this facility and at their job site(s). Airborne exposures for amorphous silica approached occupational exposure limits, while crystalline silica, aluminum, iron, and titanium were below the most protective occupational exposure limits. Most of the particulate released during aerogel handling was respirable and can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Many participants who handled aerogel insulation reported upper respiratory tract irritation, or very dry or chapped skin. We recommended the instructors (1) educate staff and students about potential upper respiratory tract irritation and drying effects from prolonged exposure to aerogel insulation, (2) encourage staff and students to report work-related health problems to their supervisor, (3) explore alternative cleansers that are more effective than soap and water but will not contribute to skin drying, and (4) provide staff and students with personal protective equipment described in the manufacturer's safety data sheets.
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(2015) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of erionite and silica exposure during forestry activities. (Click to open report) A federal government agency requested a health hazard evaluation. The agency wanted to know about the hazards from erionite exposure. In some areas of the Custer National Forest where its employees worked, the agency knew or suspected the presence of erionite. Erionite is a mineral that occurs in nature in most areas in the western United States. Erionite fibers can cause health effects like those seen with exposure to asbestos. Crystalline silica is another mineral found in many geologic format... (Click to show more)A federal government agency requested a health hazard evaluation. The agency wanted to know about the hazards from erionite exposure. In some areas of the Custer National Forest where its employees worked, the agency knew or suspected the presence of erionite. Erionite is a mineral that occurs in nature in most areas in the western United States. Erionite fibers can cause health effects like those seen with exposure to asbestos. Crystalline silica is another mineral found in many geologic formations. We took air samples and analyzed them for erionite and silica. We took rock and soil samples and analyzed them for erionite. We considered the samples positive for erionite when they met several criteria. One criterion was that the fibers were longer than 5 micrometers. Another was that the fibers had a length to width aspect ratio greater than 3:1. The final criterion was that the fibers contain silicon, aluminum, and at least one of the elements calcium, sodium, or potassium. We found erionite fibers in the air, rock, and soil samples. We did not find overexposures to respirable crystalline silica. But, some air samples taken during specific tasks contained silica.
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(2015) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of indoor environmental quality and health concerns in a public elementary school. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representing employees at an elementary school because of concerns about possible exposure to mold in the school building. In 2014, some elementary school employees went on medical leave reportedly because of illness from mold exposure after receiving results from fungal immunoglobulin G (IgG) blood tests and urine mycotoxin tests. Knowledge of these results prompted over 20 additional school employees to have their blood teste... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representing employees at an elementary school because of concerns about possible exposure to mold in the school building. In 2014, some elementary school employees went on medical leave reportedly because of illness from mold exposure after receiving results from fungal immunoglobulin G (IgG) blood tests and urine mycotoxin tests. Knowledge of these results prompted over 20 additional school employees to have their blood tested for IgG to fungi. Some of these employees and their physicians interpreted their blood test results as meaning they had high levels of mold in their bodies. Other employees had recurring upper respiratory and sinus infections and throat and eye irritation that they attributed to their work environment. During our evaluation, we (1) checked for moisture, water damage, and mold inside the building and in the crawl spaces beneath the building, (2) evaluated the ventilation systems, (3) measured carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity, and (4) asked employees about their work, medical history, and work-related health concerns. We found no moisture, signs of water damage, or mold in the school or crawl spaces, except for three classrooms with minor mold growth. Some classroom unit ventilators did not work, had incorrectly installed or missing air filters, or were blocked. Carbon dioxide levels were high in some classrooms. Our employee interviews and review of medical records found symptoms often associated with damp buildings or inadequate ventilation but that are common in the general population. We found no evidence that problems such as neuropathy, thrush, and cancer were related to the school. Lacking an explanation for all symptoms led some employees to seek answers from unvalidated medical tests. To address indoor environmental quality concerns, we recommended the school (1) stop environmental sampling and blood testing for molds and urine testing for mycotoxins; (2) hire a licensed professional mechanical engineer to assess the ventilation systems; (3) encourage employees to report water leaks or water damage; and (4) create a system for employees to report building concerns and to receive feedback on how issues were resolved. We recommended employees report work-related health concerns and see an occupational medicine physician about health problems they think may be work related.
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(2015) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of indoor environmental quality in a college teaching and administrative building. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a college to evaluate employees' concerns about health symptoms that were believed to be related to the indoor environmental quality in a campus building. The building had a history of indoor environmental quality complaints, but was mostly unoccupied at the time of our visit in May 2013. During our visit, we looked for past or current water damage, water entering the building, and mold. We interviewed current and former college facult... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a college to evaluate employees' concerns about health symptoms that were believed to be related to the indoor environmental quality in a campus building. The building had a history of indoor environmental quality complaints, but was mostly unoccupied at the time of our visit in May 2013. During our visit, we looked for past or current water damage, water entering the building, and mold. We interviewed current and former college faculty, managers, and staff. We reviewed (1) ventilation system drawings and maintenance records, (2) reports from indoor environmental quality consultants, and (3) the college's summary of symptoms reported by employees and students. We found the ventilation systems to be well maintained, but airborne contaminants in the dental clinic could spread to other areas of the building. First, the return air from the dental clinic mixed with return air from offices and classrooms before recirculation. Second, the dental clinic was not under a consistent neutral or negative air pressure relative to surrounding areas, meaning that air from the dental clinic could flow to adjacent areas. We saw no evidence of current or past water damage, water entering the building, or mold. Most interviewed employees reported nonspecific symptoms common to workplaces and in the general population. We could not link these symptoms to any specific workplace exposure. One employee may have had a lung condition that could be caused by mold exposure. This employee worked in the building in 2001 when mold problems were found. Additional findings included: (1) some employees using portable ionizing air cleaners (a source of ozone and possibly associated with employee symptoms), and (2) a sewer pipe vented into a cabinet in the dental laboratory. We recommended the employer work with a ventilation engineer to change how return air is mixed and to improve airflow, check for open sewer vents inside the building, and stop sampling for chemical and biological agents to identify a cause for non-specific employee symptoms. We recommended the employees stop using portable ionizing air cleaners.
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